Tips for Spring Vibrancy

On tea, writing & pilgrimage

You will notice some changes around this beloved publication of mine over the next few months as I transition the look and feel (and name!) to be in alignment with how I’m growing. Speaking of growth, I’ve missed writing here and can’t wait to be back with a more regular weekly story. For now, I am focusing my words on my book and it is coming, albeit slow and steady.

I suppose that’s a good recipe for sustained change…slow and steady. To allow for full integration and embodiment, leaving no stone unturned, no feeling unexplored.

I wanted to share with you, dear reader, some of my notes and discoveries that I’m preparing for my upcoming Tea & Spring Vibrancy Day Immersion. If you are local to Nova Scotia, I invite you to explore the idea of taking time to be with yourself, exploring health augmenting practices that align with the seasons. You can find the link with more information here.

Spring is a time for growth, expansion and activity. It is an outward moving season as we use the water we have stored up over the winter to nourish our new projects and dreams that are budding within us. We begin to turn our face toward the sun, our attention outward and generally feel more inclined to show ourselves to the world. It’s wise to do this slowly, establishing deep roots and a solid trunk. 

In traditional Chinese medicine and certainly in most ancient and indigenous forms of health, there is a recognition that disease first appears on a more subtle plane before it materializes in the physical body. By working with the seasons and the elements, we can encourage vitality and pure potentiality within our lives. 

We have just entered the Year of the Wood Dragon so it is an excellent opportunity to orient ourselves towards the energy of Wood and how it manifests in our lives. The most subtle aspect of the wood element is Spirit, also known as the Hun, and offers us an exceptional opportunity for transformation and growth. 

When in balance, the Hun is the messenger between the material and spiritual planes and helps us to manage growth with clairty and motivation. When out of balance, we may experience anger and aggression, or lack vital energy. 

The Hun is associated with the gallbladder and liver meridians, and in a very practical simple manner, we can nourish these organs in the body to encourage spiritual balance while we grow. We can do this by eater bitter foods such as artichoke, turmeric and dandelion, as well lots of fresh greens and sprouts. This really is the best time of year to cleanse the body and mind of stagnant energy to make way for new life. Enjoy beautiful salads, nettle soups and dandelion fritters. Move the body by walking in nature and dancing with friends, literally shake it all off and out.

Resist the temptation to grow too fast and temper with metal teas, such as Quicksilver white tea. A yin potency that provides energy and vitality without exhausting the nervous system.

So much more when we are together on retreat, experientially learning and embodying.

I am leaving on May 21st to meet my teacher and embark on a sacred pilgrimage in Ireland for 2 weeks. I’m beyond elated and grateful, the timing cannot be more perfect. I’m only taking two outfits, do you think I can do it? Who wants to wage bets on whether or not I’ll fly home with a checked luggage?

Blessed growing friends…slow and steady.